Scope and arrangement
The Michael Korie papers date from the 1960s to 2014 and document his career as a lyricist and librettist. The papers contain drafts of scores, scripts, and lyrics; notes and research; publicity and press coverage; programs; correspondence; posters; photographs; and audiovisual materials.
The collection documents Korie's creative process and creative works, in draft and final forms. Typically for each production there are drafts of librettos, scores, and lyrics (some with annotations and handwritten revisions); press coverage (clippings of articles, reviews, and advertisements); and promotional materials (posters, programs).
The operas Where's Dick? and Harvey Milk, and the musicals Grey Gardens and Finding Neverland are the most well represented productions in the collection. In addition to the above types of documentation, files for these productions include larger amounts of background information, research materials, notes, and correspondence. The Harvey Milk files contain copies of newspaper articles written by Milk, multiple synopses, and Korie's interviews with those who knew Milk. Of particular interest is a copy of one of the versions of Harvey Milk's tape recorded last will and testament. A unique artefactual item from Grey Gardens is a paper restaurant tablecloth on which the original concept for the musical adaptation was drafted. There are also copies of correspondence with Grey Gardens resident Little Edie Beale.
The performance aspect of Korie's work is also documented, specifically on working recordings, demos, and preliminary mixes of cast recordings. Additionally, Korie donated a journal containing his rehearsal notes for Grey Gardens, Doctor Zhivago, and Grapes of Wrath. Korie also assembled chronological portfolio books containing press and promotional materials for his works.
A small portion of the collection relates to his early works and his lyrics for the films The Emperor's New Clothes (1987) and Red Riding Hood (1989). The film-related material includes demo recordings of the scores and cut songs.
A detailed listing of items included in the collection can be found as an Additional Resource.
Arrangement
Materials are primarily grouped alphabetically by the title of each work.